[.ca] Chronicles of Riddick: Pitch Black (Widescreen) ...

One of the Great Classics of Science Fiction:
This is truly a masterpiece of Science Fiction and an interesting study in human nature with profound messages similar to those in films such as Fahrenheit 451, The Day the Earth Stood Still, Metropolis, Logan's Run, and Blade Runner. The internal struggles of the characters (spirituality, self-sacrifice, fear, temptation, addiction, guilt, mastery of fear, human kindness, self-interest, resourcefulness, etc.) add a tremendous amount of depth to the story. The guilt of the captain over her early impulsive actions and the penance she ultimately pays for her mistake are deeply touching and almost made me cry. The stark landscape setting really allows us to focus on the characters - their personalities, motives, relationships, actions, etc. The emulation of Jack for Riddick is beautifully done, very quickly and easily charming us to both characters. The story is very well written, with the acting equally well done, showcasing the relationships between the characters. The Riddick/Johns relationship is interesting, particularly their respect for one another: Some kind of "code of ethics" between bounty hunters and the convicts they pursue? Also of note is the hero worship of Jack for Riddick, and the hero's subsequent defense/protection of her several times, in various ways, against multiple threats. Additionally, the interplay between the captain and Johns (his manipulation of her, and her judgment mixed with empathy of him) really adds dimension to these characters and the overall story. This is one of the few films I have seen that seems absolutely perfectly cast, particularly Jack who is difficult to distinguish between boy and tomboy - she is very believable. The creatures/monsters are extremely well done, both their appearances and movements. I think this is a much better story than the Alien and Predator movies, though I enjoy those as well. The humor in this story is exquisite; the "looks clear" scene is one of my favorite bits of this movie. Given the intensity behind Mr. Diesel's acting, it is amazing that he is capable of adding this type of "lightness" to his work. And the tension present throughout the film is tremendous. We are literally "on pins and needles" as we watch the action from our observer position and instantly recognize the mistakes of the characters (delay, poor choices, etc.) leading toward their doom with no way to warn them or urge them to hurry. I don't understand the term "cult" applied to this film because that seems to imply a select viewership; and I believe this movie has the power to please a variety of peoples, though especially fans of Science Fiction and human-interest stories. I call this one of my "treadmill movies" (to watch while exercising) because the miles pass in a non-painful flash. A special thanks to the many people involved in making this movie for the wonderful quality of distraction and thoroughly engrossing entertainment. I am unable to choose a favorite between Pitch Black and The Chronicles of Riddick. I am pleased they are remarkably different from one another. I believe they are both equally significant in their contribution to great classics of Science Fiction. J.H. Sweet, author of The Fairy Chronicles

Just Excellent!:
Sci/fi horror stories. You really don't expect such charatcer development in these types of movies, but this one does an excellent job, from start to finish. This is definitely not a B movie, not by a long shot. You find out for example that the bad guy is not always the bad guy. In the crash sequence after all the dust settles and Johns finds an empty cryo sleep tube and his gun missing, it's found on the floor under a dangling Riddick. Now if Riddick was such a bloodthirsty bad guy, he would have taken the gun and shot Johns and been done with it. This is the second interesting development in the film, and gives you a nice window into the character of Riddick. The first interesting development is the moral dilemna during the landing/crash of the ship, in which Fry tries to eject all the passengers. The third interesting development is the assuming of Riddick's guilt in the death of Zeke, for which no one has apologized yet. I've rarely seen such a depth in chracters in the scifi genre. All of the characters go through some deep changes under the pressure of the struggle to survive. Check out the expressions on the faces of the actors, and the dialogue, excellent job, without overacting or forcing. The special effects are good, and they don't overwhelm the story. The plot is good, and the suspense stays with you up until the very end, building and ebbing throughout the film. I wish they'd have had a bigger budget for this one, but if they had they'd have probably overloaded on the special effects. Overall, I would give this an excellent rating as a movie buff.

muddled and dark.........:
When I saw the previews recently of The Chronicles of Riddick, I thought it might be interesting to see Pitch Black. Wrong. From the first part of it, it looked cheap. That was my first clue and from there it goes downhill. I frankly think Diesel was much better in Fast and Furious than he was in this. But I must say that he alone was the incentive to last as long as I did. As far as the monsters, that go bump in the night, anybody who compares them to those in Alien must be blind and deaf......I found them interesting but definitely not scary, or maybe you needed to be there to see them in person? They reminded me in a way of the raptors from Jarassic Park particularly when they are congregating on the launch pad at the end of the film. Total waste of time. Perhaps 'Chronicles' will be different? It definitely looks a bit more polished.

Pitch Black:
Awesome Movie. MUst Have.Vin Diesel Is Awesome. PERFECT MOVIE

Pitch Black and Poopy:
If I could get the two hours of my life I spent watching this pile of crappola back. I'd use it to send Vin Diesel a close up of my pastie posterior!